School Daze- school facilities impact student outcomes

Tuesday night I attended a presentation and tour at the Kennett Middle School.

The event was intended to explain the Proposition K.I.D.S. bond issue that will appear on the April 3 ballot, as well as offer a tour of the school.

Superintendent Chris Wilson conveyed the message well on why passing the bond issue was so important but nothing brought that message home clearer than the tour that followed.

To say I was shocked is an understatement.

I heard people in the community talking about the condition of the school for months, but until I saw it for myself I had no idea how truly dilapidated the old building was.

Window air conditioners struggle to cool the classrooms in the summer.

The electrical system is so outdated that throughout the day if one classroom plugs in a space heater to help warm the students clad in coats and gloves, two more classrooms go dark.

Trashcans and buckets are placed throughout classrooms to contain the water from the severe leakage.

Ceiling tiles and plasters are stained and falling in due to the leaks.

The list of the structural and environmental issues these students and staff have to contend with could go on and on.

The building is 104 years old and has served its purpose.

But does it hinder learning?

This question began to run through my mind.

How important is the school building to academic proficiency?

Research has found that school facilities actually have a profound impact on both teacher and student outcomes.

According to the US General Accounting Office almost three-fourths of existing US schools were constructed before 1970. Of these schools, about one-third of schools had need of extensive repair or replacement and almost two-thirds had at least one inadequate building feature such as substandard plumbing, roofing, or electrical systems.

A Penn State study showed that there are five primary facets of school facilities.

1. Acoustics and noise. Noise levels greatly affect teacher and student performance. Try hearing the teacher over a window air conditioner running on high.

2. Air quality. Poor air quality is a major contribution to absenteeism for students with asthma. Many viruses, bacteria, and allergens are found in schools with poor ventilation systems.

3. Lighting.Research has shown that not only does classroom lighting boost the morale of teachers and students but proper lighting also reduces off-task behavior and improves test scores.

4. Proper temperature and control of temperature. Research finds that the temperature in which a student works affects engagement levels and overall productivity, including student achievement. Try doing your work in gloves, wrapped in a blanket.

5. Classroom size and space.

A large body of research over the past century has consistently found that school facilities impact teaching and learning in profound ways.

It’s a testament to Principal Billings, the staff and students that the building looks as well it does.

The floors shine and rooms are orderly.

Carefully consider this bond issue.

Principal Billings summed it up well when he said, “We owe it to the safety and security of our students to provide them with the safest possible facility that money can but, that’s within reason.”

See you out there.